Dragon Slayers

October 17, 2011
What if sins were dragons and good Christians were dragon slayers? Writing as Sir Wyvern Pugilist, author Denham (Stories of the Saints) presents a handbook for brave children to join the “Ancient and Ever-Forgiving Order of Dragon Slayers” headed by the Chief Dragon Slayer, Jesus. Pugilist’s voice engages readers with its conversational tone and touches of humor as he describes dragons such as Bilgewater and Avarus and their sneaky methods of ensnaring the unsuspecting. No one is safe from their wiles, neither narrator Pugilist, who is tormented by Braggen, nor the slayers, who need special armor to protect themselves, including a “helmet of salvation,” a “belt of truth,” and a “shield of faith.” Snure’s full-page illustrations of dragons and slayers, done in rich earthy colors and jewel tones and mimicking the style of an ancient handbook, will gratify readers’ imaginations. An extensive “Compendium of Senior Dragon Slayers of Old” describes the lives of saints, such as St. Cuthbert and St. Francis of Assisi, as well as some modern-day Christian heroes, such as Sojourner Truth and Martin Luther King Jr. Entertaining and engaging for Christian readers. Ages 6–12.

February 1, 2012

Gr 4-7-A black, leathery cover adorned only with the silhouette of a knight in black against a red medallion gives Dragon Slayers an enticing appearance. The lengthy subtitle promises adventure and excitement. Inside, colorful pages host a text in a variety of engaging fonts and numerous full-page cartoon illustrations. The excited narrator, Sir Wyvern Pugilist, addresses readers directly in the style made popular by Lemony Snicket and Pseudonymous Bosch. In the opening pages, he provides instructions on how to use the book, admonishing readers that they must make a "firm decision" to become a Dragon Slayer. Then it's on to chapter two, where readers will quickly realize that something funny is going on. The "dragons" the narrator is so excited about are not dragons at all, but sins and vices, arranged in categories and given pun-heavy names like Slackbottom (laziness, procrastination) and Stinkmouth (gossip, badmouthing). A Dragon Slayer must battle these vices in service of the Mighty One, or the Christian God. "Armor and Weapons" includes prayer, faith, forgiveness, and love. A "Compendium of Dragon Slayers of Old" (Francis of Assisi, Ignatius Loyola, and others) completes the book. While the volume is effectively packaged to appeal to adolescent boys, there is some question as to whether they will stick with the frantic and somewhat heavy-handed narration once they catch on to the allegory.-Eliza Langhans, Hatfield Public Library, MA

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.